Wests Tigers re-sign Thomas Mikaele

Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that forward Thomas Mikaele has signed a contract extension with the club.

The one-year extension will see Mikaele remain in Wests Tigers colours until at least the end of the 2022 NRL season.

A Goodna Eagles junior, Mikaele joined Wests Tigers’ pathways program as a teenager — progressing through Keebra Park High School before linking up with the club’s Jersey Flegg and Development teams in 2017.

Named in the Junior Emerging Maroons squad, Mikaele would make his first-grade debut for Wests Tigers in Round 1 of the 2019 season — playing in 23 of a possible 24 games throughout the year to be named the club’s Rookie of the Year.

Since his debut, Mikaele has gone on to feature in a total of 58 games for Wests Tigers.

The 23-year-old said he was pleased to continue his career with the club.

“I’m glad to be able to stay on with Wests Tigers and the group we have here,” Mikaele said.

“I’ve really enjoyed growing with the young boys we’ve got here and the way we’re building together. I’ve grown a lot since coming into the NRL and really want to continue to improve on my consistency and discipline moving forward.

“I’ve been a part of this club for a long time now and it’s great to keep that going.”

Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire said he had been impressed with the forward’s development and continued improvement since his debut.

“Tom is really growing in his experience and his understanding of what it takes to be a consistent first-grade player, which is great to see,” Maguire said.

“He has worked really hard recently to take his game to a new level and we’re very excited to see him continue to take those next steps in his game in a Wests Tigers jersey."

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe congratulated Mikaele on his new deal.

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to congratulate Tom on his new deal and commend him on the fine young man he is — both on and off the field,” Pascoe said.

“Tom has been a part of the Wests Tigers pathways system for a number of years now and it’s pleasing to see that journey continue into the 2022 season.”

After missing last week's game with suspension, Mikaele will return for Sunday's Round 24 clash against the Penrith Panthers at Redcliffe.